Georgia Receives Preschool Development Grant

ATLANTA (WJBF) – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services along with the U.S. Department of Education awarded Georgia’s “Bright from the Start” program with a $2.9 million grant to improve educational opportunities for children birth to age five.

The money will be used to help ensure that children living in vulnerable and under served areas receive access to high quality early childhood care and education (ECCE). Georgia’s Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) will perform a statewide needs assessment and develop a strategic plan in order to spread the word about available programs and services. The money will also serve to develop groups and opportunities for educators to share best practices and help create programs that support dual language learners in the state.

DECAL’s Commissioner, Amy Jacobs says, “We are honored and excited to receive this grant because of the opportunity it provides to coordinate funding streams, streamline service delivery, and strengthen partnerships throughout Georgia’s birth-to-five system.” The initial $2.9 million grant covers one year. States like Georgia that received this initial grant will be eligible to compete for additional funding of up to $45 million over a three year period.

Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning is responsible for meeting the child care and early education needs of Georgia’s children and their families. For more information on the services offered, visit the website by clicking thelink here.